Understanding Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Atopic Dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting up to 15% of the dog population.
This chronic inflammatory skin condition can cause your dog to excessively itch and lick. It also makes them very prone to frequent ear infections.
If left untreated, it can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life.
Discover more about canine atopic dermatitis, its causes, symptoms, and effective treatments, helping you manage and care for your dog if they suffer from this condition.
What is atopic dermatitis in dogs?
Atopic dermatitis is a genetically predisposed inflammatory and itchy skin disease. It is triggered by allergens that dogs can come into contact with, inhale, or ingest.
These allergens cause an overactive immune response, leading to inflammation and itching.
Atopic dermatitis in dogs can be mild, moderate, or severe, and while it can be managed, it often requires lifelong care.
The causes of canine atopic dermatitis
Some of the common allergies that cause atopic dermatitis are:
Pollens – from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Dust mites – thrive in household dust and dead skin cells.
Mould spores – released by mould fungi, easily spread through the air.
Please note that grain in the diet is very rarely the cause of allergic dermatitis in dogs.
The condition is often hereditary, meaning certain breeds are more likely to develop it. Environmental factors and changes, such as seasonal pollen surges, can also worsen symptoms.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs
Recognising the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. If your dog is exhibiting some of the following signs, they may have atopic dermatitis:
Persistent itching, biting, and scratching around the paws, face, and belly.
Recurring ear infections.
Red, swollen, or even scabby skin.
Excessively licking or chewing their paws.
Patches of hair loss or thinning fur.
Thickened or pigmented skin over time.
Breeds most susceptible to canine atopic dermatitis
Some dog breeds are more prone to atopic dermatitis due to genetic predispositions that make their immune systems overreact to environmental allergens, combined with specific coat and skin characteristics that trap irritants and promote inflammation.
These dog breeds include:
Labrador Retrievers – their short, dense coat can trap allergens close to the skin.
Golden Retrievers – their thick, double coat can hold moisture and irritants.
Boxers – their short coat provides less protection against environmental allergens.
Bulldogs – their skin folds create warm, moist environments ideal for irritants and bacteria to thrive.
German Shepherds – their undercoat can trap allergens.
West Highland White Terriers - their coarse coat can irritate sensitive skin areas.
It’s important to note that any dog can develop atopic dermatitis, symptoms are generally first noted between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. However, if left untreated these symptoms generally persist for the remainder of the dog’s life.
Diagnosing atopic dermatitis in dogs
A presumptive diagnosis can be made by reviewing your pet’s history and conducting a thorough physical examination.
In most cases, canine atopic dermatitis can be managed by our general practice team, however, we may need to refer your pet to a specialist dermatologist if we believe they require advanced testing and treatment.
When diagnosing atopic dermatitis, our veterinary team performs several steps to rule out other potential causes of itching and inflammation.
These steps may include:
An assessment of your dog’s medical history, breed, age, and symptoms, focussing on common areas like the paws, ears, and belly.
A skin test to check for fleas - flea allergy dermatitis can mimic the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
A diet trial for 8-12 weeks to identify if a food allergy is the root cause. Please note grain in the diet is very rarely the cause of allergic dermatitis in dogs. The small number of pets that do have food allergies are typically allergic to animal proteins such as beef or chicken. Reactions to grains are very uncommon.
Our veterinarians may suggest referring your dog to a specialist dermatologist for intradermal skin testing to identify specific environmental allergens responsible for triggering atopic dermatitis.
Accurate diagnosis is vital for creating an effective Canine Atopic Dermatitis Treatment plan.
Treatment for atopic dermatitis
So, do antihistamines work? Unfortunately, antihistamines are generally not effective in managing atopic dermatitis in dogs.
There are a number of different types of treatment options available.
We typically recommend Cytopoint. It is administered via a monthly injection and improvement can be seen within 24 hours. Unlike steroids, this drug is very safe with side effects being exceptionally uncommon.
However, in the unlikely event that Cytopoint has not worked for your dog, our veterinarians have other treatment options that they can discuss with you.
Preventing atopic dermatitis flare-ups
Preventing flare-ups of atopic dermatitis in dogs requires proactive care and attention to minimise exposure to allergens and manage symptoms effectively.
Here are some key steps to help reduce the risks:
Stay consistent with your dog’s bathing routine, the average dog should be bathed once every two weeks. However, this is just a rough guideline - our veterinarians can provide tailored advice for your individual pet.
Ensure your home is clean and try your best to minimise dust, moulds and allergens.
Closely monitor your dog as spring blooms, they may need adjustments to their treatment.
Book regular appointments with your vet so you can keep the condition under control.
Every flare-up must be met with early intervention to prevent secondary infections and other complications.
Long-term management of atopic dermatitis
Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, meaning that while it can be managed, there is no cure.
With a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, immunotherapy, and environmental control, most dogs can live comfortable, happy lives.
Regular follow-ups with your vet are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.
If you have any questions about atopic dermatitis or think your dog might be struggling with the condition and need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team.